BOOM!The object slammed into the city gates, unleashing a deafening explosion that shook the ground beneath their feet. The shockwave rippled outward, sending soldiers sprawling and shattering windows across the city. Dust and debris filled the air as the once-mighty gates crumbled into a smoking ruin.Amariss stumbled backward, his sword clattering to the ground as he stared in horror at the devastation.“What… what is this? What is happening?!”he stammered, his voice trembling with fear. In the distance, the Aeternum Navy Fleet stood poised, their warships bristling with firepower. The single missile had been a warning—a demonstration of Aeternum’s overwhelming strength and precision. And it had achieved its purpose.The soldiers of Amariss’s army, already demoralized and terrified, broke ranks almost immediately. Dropping their weapons and abandoning their positions, they fled in every direction, their panic spreading like wildfire.“Come back! COME BACK, YOU COWARDS!”Amariss sc
At 6:45 AM, the order was given. Admiral Duchess Kolarova, commanding the Navy Fleet from the southern front, initiated the launch sequence. The missile streaked across the sky like a comet, its white trail a harbinger of devastation.From the Dragon One, I stood on the bridge, watching intently as the missile’s trajectory was displayed on the holographic screens. My officers around me held their breath, anticipation thick in the air.A few moments later, the missile hit its mark. The explosion that followed was nothing short of spectacular. The Alemia Capital City gates were obliterated, along with the surrounding walls and everything within a 100-meter radius. Dust and debris rose into the sky like a dark mushroom cloud, blotting out the early morning sun.The impact was beyond what any of us had anticipated. The "lowest-grade" missile had proven to be anything but low-grade.The news of the missile strike spread like wildfire through the Aeternum ranks. Soldiers, commanders, and of
“Then let’s make history. Order the Navy Fleet 01 to launch three additional Type-1 Missiles. Targets: The East, North, and West gates of the capital.”The entire command bridge fell into stunned silence.Every officer, every technician, every strategist momentarily froze. Their eyes flickered with a mix of shock and anxiety as they processed my command. Even the seasoned veterans among them seemed momentarily taken aback.It was one thing to deploy a single missile.But three at once?That wasn’t just warfare—it was an annihilation order.Bina, Lucas, and Eliza, who had been following the situation via video conference, immediately reacted. Their holographic images flickered on the massive display before me, each one expressing their own unique emotions.Bina, ever the stoic and composed tactician, furrowed her brows, tapping her fingers against the table.“Mr. President… I assume you understand the full implications of this move?”I met her gaze without hesitation.“I do. This is th
At precisely 10 AM, just as the dust from the explosions had barely begun to settle, a deep echoing voice rang across the battlefield.“To the soldiers and citizens of Alemia!”It was him.The President of Aeternum.His voice carried through the winds, reverberating through the ruined streets, projected through Aeternum’s massive military speakers for all to hear.“Your war is over. Lay down your arms. Submit to the governance of Aeternum, and you will be spared.”His words hung in the air like a final judgment.And then, like a descending storm, the Aeternum Army finally began to move.It was a terrifyingly unified march.Thousands upon thousands of troops moved in perfect synchronicity, their steel boots pounding against the earth like a drum of war. Tanks rolled forward, massive military vehicles flanking the advancing battalions, gunships and airships circling the skies like mechanical reapers.At that moment, the people of Alemia saw it—the unstoppable tide of Aeternum’s might de
“I request a duel.”A murmur ran through both sides. Bina merely raised a single eyebrow.“A duel? Against me?” she said, tilting her head slightly, almost as if she hadn’t heard him correctly.Anton stood his ground.“If I win, you and your soldiers do not enter this palace.”Bina exhaled, her lips curving into something that wasn’t quite a smile.“And if you lose?”Anton’s jaw tightened.“Then my men will surrender peacefully.”A moment of silence passed between them.And then, Bina laughed.A deep, almost booming sound, filled with something akin to amusement… and disappointment.“You are either the bravest or the most foolish knight I have ever met, Captain Anton.” She rested her hand on the haft of her war axe, her fingers tightening around the weapon’s familiar grip.Anton did not flinch. Bina’s amusement faded. She gave him a firm nod. Both of them knew, this is actually a heartfelt plea from Anton, he wanted Grand General Bine to allow his men to live, this I his earnest beg.
"I refuse to be treated like some common criminal! I am Count Malik! Minister of Finance! I have funded half of this war!"His voice echoed, but no one moved. No one spoke in his defense.Malik gritted his teeth and jerked violently, managing to break free from the grip of the young Aeternum private restraining him.With a twisted smirk, he raised his hand and struck the soldier across the face.A loud crack rang through the hall.For a moment, everything stood still.Then—BANG.A gunshot pierced the air, and Malik’s scream followed a split second later as he collapsed onto the floor, clutching his now bloodied knee.Standing over him, his pistol still smoking, was Sergeant Falkner.The seasoned Aeternum officer towered over the fallen noble, his expression one of absolute indifference."That was for touching my soldier," Falkner said, his voice as sharp as a blade.Malik writhed, his cries of agony mixing with gasps of horror from the other captives.Falkner bent down, his boot press
For years, Alemia’s people had been accustomed to fear—to being harassed, abused, and treated like pawns by the nobility and military alike.But today, as they walked through the clean streets, there was no shouting.No random arrests. No public executions. There was only order.And above them, in the vast blue sky, the Aeternum airships loomed—their massive steel frames gliding through the heavens, a symbol of dominance, protection, and change.For many, it was their first time seeing such technology up close.An elderly baker, standing at the entrance of his shop, shielded his eyes as he gazed upward."The Iron Birds…" he whispered, awestruck.Beside him, a young girl tugged at his sleeve."Grandpa, are they… protecting us?"A pause. Then, the old man smiled for the first time in years."Yes. I believe they are."Unlike the old regime, Aeternum’s governance was swift and efficient.Knowing that the city had suffered extreme shortages due to the war, Aeternum immediately opened publi
“Did the Queen know about this?” I asked, though deep down, I already knew the answer.Selie didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she reached into her bag, pulling out a single sheet of parchment. She laid it on my desk with a deliberate movement.It was an official decree, signed and stamped with Queen Romella’s royal seal. A decree authorizing the so-called “punishment” of nobles appointed by Aeternum.I closed my eyes briefly, suppressing the urge to slam my fist onto the table. The Queen knew, she had known all along. And she did nothing, or she were too consumed with all the power and luxuries that she just signed everything that come to her table, and now I had to clean everything back.Across the chamber, Duke Oliver Gust—or rather, Governor Oliver Gust, as he was now officially titled—stood near one of the balconies, observing the organized chaos with a look of deep contemplation. After taking a moment to collect my thoughts, I rose from my seat and walked over to him.“Quite
The project would take time—perhaps years—but its impact would begin in weeks.“Once the roads are in place,” Merrica said, entering her chamber with a report in hand, “we’ll be able to move goods faster, respond to crises quicker, and prepare for the second phase: economic zone development.”Helen took the report with a tired, but satisfied smile. “This… this they will see. This they will believe.”“And when they do,” Merrica said, “they’ll follow.”Late that night, as the wind howled against the palace windows, Helen stood in her private study, gazing out at the flickering torches lining the city streets. In her hand was a smooth, curved stone from the first road pile—just a plain stone, but to her, it was the beginning of a foundation.Her fingers closed around it as she whispered to herself, “Let this road lead us to a better kingdom.” And with that, the first steps into a new Hallerus had begun.The throne room had seen war plans, council betrayals, and royal declarations. But on
The ministers eagerly pointed out their favorite places from their student years.“Over there—that café served synthetic ice cream you have to try.”“That’s the district where I first saw a holographic opera.”“This is where I spent hours in the central library—eight floors of pure knowledge.”Helen listened with quiet amusement and growing wonder. These weren’t just stories. This was the future.They stopped first at a shopping promenade, where modern boutiques lined the plaza. Aeternum fashion—streamlined, elegant, tailored for form and comfort—was on full display.Helen tried on a pale blue dress lined with iridescent threads that shifted color slightly under different lighting. She admired herself in the mirror. Regal, yet free. She hadn’t felt this light in years.Merrica chuckled as she twirled slightly. “Careful. You’ll make the palace tailors obsolete.”Next came the Aeternum cuisine district. The aroma of spices, imported meats, baked delicacies and exotic fruit blends filled
Meerkat sipped from his flask; eyes gleaming. “Monster cores alone could offset our collective energy reliance on Aeternum’s hybrid reactors. If those dungeons are stabilized and regulated under UNA protocols, we’re looking at a resource boom.”Angela arched an eyebrow. “All that assumes stability. A kingdom can’t regulate dungeons if they can’t regulate their own court.”“Well,” Meerkat said with a shrug, “that’s what Merrica’s for, isn’t it?”They all laughed lightly—because it was true. The man’s reputation preceded him. Hallerus may have signed with a queen, but Merrica had built the bridge.Kaneda leaned forward. “It’s risky, but it’s a calculated risk. We’re not signing blind loyalty here. We’re watching. Evaluating. But make no mistake—if this works, Hallerus becomes the keystone of continental connectivity.”Redwall drummed his fingers on his knee. “I suppose that’s why we’re here. Not to clap at the signing. But to see if the queen is truly changed.”“She is,” Angela said qui
“And now, a major announcement: With the signing complete, Hallerus Kingdom is formally inducted into the United Nation Alliance as its thirty-first member. This marks a turning point—not only for Hallerus, but for the entire Central Continent.”“The UNA, now composed of thirty-one sovereign nations, officially becomes the largest unified alliance in the world’s history—its reach, economic power, and strategic cooperation unmatched by any prior coalition.”“Following this event, Aeternum has confirmed it will begin a nationwide rollout of its Super Stores, factories, and humanitarian infrastructure in Hallerus territory. In exchange, Hallerus will provide critical resources and cultural integration into the alliance structure.”“Public reaction is already beginning to surface—here in New City, spontaneous celebrations have begun in the multicultural districts where former Hallerians live. Meanwhile, markets across the UNA are surging in response to the stability this alliance signifie
“I don’t forget betrayal easily,” I said. “And Aeternum doesn’t forget pain lightly. What happened between us—it scarred people. People who trusted Hallerus. Soldiers who bled for your freedom. Civilians who saw us pulled out overnight.”“I know,” Helen said. “And I accept the cost.”“But,” I said, letting the word hang before softening my tone, “I do respect accountability.”Her eyes met mine. “Then we start again?”“We do,” I said, extending a hand.She took it. Her grip was firm.“We bury the hatchet,” I added. “But let’s be clear—this is not a return to old friendship. This is a new foundation. One built on lessons learned.”Helen nodded. “Agreed.”Merrica exhaled, satisfied. “It’s what both sides need.”I looked at Helen, voice calm. “You have a second chance now. Few leaders get that. Don’t waste it.”She nodded again, quietly this time. “I won’t.”“Good,” I said. “Because your people need you more than ever. Rule wisely. Rule well. Let this alliance be your legacy.”For the fir
“We’ll export more to Hallerus—especially food. You’ll need it. In return, we’ll import more raw ore and minerals. Your mining sector’s still decent, right?”“It is.”“Then let’s grow that. More volume, more jobs, more imports on both sides.”He beamed. “Thank you, my friend.”I smiled back. “You’ll find I don’t just use the whip.”“A carrot, then?”“Always. A balanced hand is how you keep control. Too much punishment, and you push people away. Too much reward, and they forget who they owe.”Merrica nodded slowly. “You’ve become a real ruler.”I stood, offering my hand again. “I became what this world needed.”He shook it. “And I’ll make sure Hallerus becomes what Aeternum can trust.”We stood in silence for a moment longer. The sound of cheering still floated in faintly from the streets below. Somewhere out there, Queen Helen was being paraded through New City—through a modern marvel built from vision and precision. Through a world she couldn’t have imagined a year ago.And now, she’
“They’re… happy to see us?” she asked, disbelief in her voice.Duke Merrica gave her a half-smile. “Some of them, yes. The others are watching. Judging. As they should.”One young woman in the crowd, her hair wrapped in Aeternum’s signature style, waved a small Hallerus flag and called out, “Welcome back! My family’s from Archenport—we’re with you!”Helen felt a warmth rise in her chest. Her lips curled, hesitant, but sincere. She lifted a gloved hand and waved back.Her ministers behind her smiled with relief. The people hadn’t forgotten them. Or maybe… maybe Aeternum’s citizens were willing to forgive, even if their leaders were not.Still, with each new marvel the city revealed, her pride took another small wound.Digital traffic signs shifted in real-time. Elevated walkways moved gently above the streets. Tall towers bore solar glass and climate control systems beyond her comprehension. Everything was clean. Efficient. Vibrant.Hallerus, by contrast, was still struggling to clear
“But that’s not all,” he said. “We’re not just building stores. We’re buying land.”Elijah’s eyes narrowed. “Land?”Andrea arched a brow. “Personal Aeternum-controlled territory?”“Exactly,” Mies said. “We’ll negotiate the purchase and designation of sovereign Aeternum land within Hallerus. Locations where we will build permanent structures—embassies, farms, factories. Property they can’t touch. Not legally. Not politically.”Andrea crossed her arms. “You want to turn this alliance into territorial leverage.”“I want security,” Mies said. “We trusted them once. And they betrayed us. This time, we own the pieces on the board. If they want access to food and prosperity, they give us something real in return. Soil.”Elijah nodded. “No oversight from their monarchy. No interference. Full extraterritorial jurisdiction.”Mies smiled. “Exactly. We build an Aeternum that lives inside their walls. One they can’t tear down without declaring war.”Andrea added, “And when we build those farms and
“We’re proud Aeternians now,” said one local organizer. “But we remember where we came from. If we can help fix the old home while serving the new one, why not?”In university lecture halls, students debated passionately.“Strategically, re-integrating Hallerus into Aeternum’s economic sphere is a no-brainer,” one economics major argued. “We’ll be able to shape their policies from within.”“But trust is a currency too,” another replied. “If we spend it on the wrong partner again, we might pay more than we think.”In a small park in the east district, a group of Aeternum veterans sat on a bench, medals on their coats, eyes on the screens showing news footage of Andrea’s visit.“You remember that street?” one said, pointing.“I remember clearing it house by house,” another replied. “They cheered us one day. Chased us out the next.”The youngest of them, silent until now, finally spoke.“We gave them peace once. Maybe it’s time to give them a future.”Silence followed. No one disagreed.